Investigating how early life challenges affect drug use risks in adolescents

A Neuroecological Approach to Examining the Effects of Early Life Adversity on Adolescent Drug Use Vulnerabilities Using the ABCD Dataset

NIH-funded research University of Georgia · NIH-10930164

This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood might affect drug use in teens aged 12 to 20, and it aims to find out how family, friends, school, and community play a role in this, so we can better understand why some young people might be more at risk for using drugs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Georgia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Athens, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930164 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the impact of early life adversity on the risk of drug use among adolescents aged 12 to 20. It utilizes the ABCD dataset to explore how various family, peer, school, and community factors influence neurocognitive development and drug use behaviors. By focusing on the interplay between emotional regulation and cognitive control, the study aims to identify neural biomarkers that could predict vulnerabilities to drug use. The findings could help in understanding the complex dynamics that contribute to adolescent drug misuse.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced early life adversity.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced early life adversity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and interventions for adolescents at risk of drug use due to early life challenges.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between early life adversity and adolescent behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Athens, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.